Disability and specific learning differences

Our friendly and dedicated disability support and advice team is here to help and support you throughout your time at university, including help with applications for disability funding support through the Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA).

We will work with you to make the university aware of any disabilities and health conditions, such as any long term physical or mental health conditions, as well as discuss potential additional support needs and how that support can be put in place and accessed.

This includes providing opportunities before and during your studies for you to share information with us regarding a disability or health condition, whether it is only for awareness purposes, or to start discussions around possible additional support needs.

This confidential information is held by the Student Support team and disclosed only with your consent, to support your needs while studying at the University.

We can also help you by liaising with other areas of the University to ensure your course-related support needs are met, such as working with our Accommodation team to arrange suitable University Halls accommodation if you have a mobility need, disability, or health condition.

Student Disability and Inclusivity policy

We are proud to share our Student Disability and Inclusivity Policy, which reflects our commitment to creating an accessible and supportive learning environment. This policy sets out how we work to ensure disabled students can thrive and participate fully in university life.

How can DSA support you?

The Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) is an allowance for students who may incur additional study-related costs as a direct result of a disability or health condition. Students must apply for DSA before receiving this support.

Applications are made via your student funding body such as:

• Student Finance England
• Student Awards Agency Scotland
• Student Finance Wales
• Student Finance Northern Ireland

What can be funded?

Items funded include non-medical help such as mentoring or study skills support, travel costs that you may incur as a result of your disability, specialist IT equipment, and other course-related costs.

We can also discuss and arrange support for those not eligible for the Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA), such as non-UK resident students. This may include checking if your home country provides relevant funding.

How to apply

We recommend applying for DSA as early as possible, as the application process can take approximately 12-14 weeks. Staff in the Student Support team are available to provide support and guidance during this process.

Please note that EU and International students are not eligible for Disabled Students’ Allowance and should contact the Student Support team for advice.

Fill out our web form at any time and a trained advisor will pick up your case within two working days.

Information for Needs Assessors

Unfortunately, we do not have bookable rooms available for students on campus. As a result, we are unable to offer space for external providers to deliver Non-Medical Helper (NMH) support.

Student Support Contact Information:

Phone: 01603 977977

Email: disability@norwichuni.ac.uk

Address: Norwich University of the Arts, student support, 20 Bank Plain, Norwich, NR2 4

Sunflower Hidden Disabilities Programme

Norwich University of the Arts is now part of the Sunflower Hidden Disabilities Programme.

Norwich University of the Arts aims to grow its on-campus student and staff awareness of hidden disabilities and encourage conversation around support and understanding for disabled students and staff.

This programme allows us to break down barriers and nurture an inclusive environment, improving student and staff experience for individuals with hidden disabilities.

The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower logo is visible on green lanyards and various accessories to indicate a non-visible disability as a discreet way to make their disabilities known to others. This is a helpful way for individuals to share their disability information with staff and students, helping promote support and understanding.

If you’d like to know more about how you can get your own Sunflower lanyard, please get in touch with the Disability Team on disability@norwichuni.ac.uk